[RobbyS]

The things one learns! Wasn't it American skill with the long guns that gave the American frigates so much success against the British? You wouldn't know, would you, how long the ship could stay on post? I assume that fewer crewmen would be required to man her, so her provisions would last longer.

[archy]

Wasn't it American skill with the long guns that gave the American frigates so much success against the british.

Certainly a factor, and one that came as a nasty surprise from a nation thought to be somewhat of an upstart as a sea power.

You wouldn't know, would you, how long the ship could stay on post.

Not precisely, though I know where at least some relevant data that might allow some close guesses to be made can be found: USS Constitution Ship's Logs #1 through #40: Number One [from National Archives]

Ain't it amazing what can be found online...?

-archy-/-